Saturday, February 2, 2008

Ride report : Flat Rocks Night Ride

The original plan was to ride after work to Jolly Rubino. Time constraints soon prevailed and we opted to settle for a slightly shorter destination - Flat Rocks, commonly referred to as "Nyogies"

Ride distance was planned as 120 km there and back, returning just after sunset.

There were 9 riders (4 ladies) and 8 bikes in all.

Some pre checks to the kit and bikes

We gathered at the entrance to the forest and waited for the other half of the team to arrive.

Soon the team was complete and we were on our way albeit at 16h00.

Shortly after we crossed the RBM road, a flat tyre gave us a chance to have a break with refreshments of course...

Ladies share a few moments for the forest section

Victor makes the repair look so easy... and we are away...

Almost... time for more stories and refreshments. No one is worried about the time at this stage...

Another stop, this time close to the half way point. Ulande is clearly having fun.

Do I hear "... we must definitely do this more often...." ?
...the guys are only too keen.

The RBM dam marks the point at which we climb the sand dune before descending down to the beach. Its already 18h00 and we have about 8 km to still cover, to the halfway stop.

Some ducks on the pond

All geared up and ready for the last leg

We arive, just as the sun begins to set

This is what the ride is all about. Cool sea air and blue water


Some beers were dished out and the planning of the next ride debated.

Ulande takes a stroll on the beach while we wait for the braai to simmer.

Priceless view of the sea


Victor turns the B_Wors on the fire

The ladies have their moments to share

Time for a short rest before the return trip. Its now about 19h00 and we still have 60 km off road to get back

A short stop in the last leg of the forst before we say cheers to everyone. The next trip is on the cards. Will it be next Friday?? watch this space..

Learnings from the trip:
The distance covered was 110km.
To include a quick braai and return- you need at least 5 hrs.
Always add in some time for the stops on the way.

Night driving= Place one of the experienced riders who knows the route in front. With the dust and the head lights its not easy to see the road so watch the tail light in front for sudden movement suggesting a hole. Stay fairly closely packed and reduce speed. Each rider watch for the person behind so that no one falls behind.

We carried a pair of Motorola 2 way radios. The helmets were fitted with microphone and ear pieces. This was really handy when Bruno ran out of fuel and he was able to flag us immediately.

Watch the blog for the next planned night ride.




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